How to Survive London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week is descending on the capital. From Friday the 12th to Tuesday the 16th September, the city will be bubbling with all the action that goes with the ready-to-wear SS15 Collections.

For many, Fashion Week is a mad few days of dashing around, jumping from show to show without a moment to sip a cappuccino. If you are planning on attending LFW, here is the basic survival guide for getting through this breathless week in style:

1.Where to stay

Picking a good hotel is a must – especially if you’re on the go day and night – and location is key. You want to keep your running around to a minimum, so it’s vital to choose a resting place nearby to the shows or showrooms you want to visit. Travelodge has a number of Central London hotels and will always provide you with a comfy bed, essential Wifi and everything else you need for a spot of relief through the week.

2.What shows to see

London is well known for its groundbreaking, edgy fashion and British designers are celebrated all over the world. House of Holland, Topshop Unique, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Paul Smith, Burberry and Christopher Kane are all super successful British names with almost guaranteed good shows. But you’ll also want to see the up-and-comers on the programme.

The official schedule will give you a clear idea of which shows you can see, where and when. Find it online and follow (hashtag) LFW on Twitter for rolling updates. Remember that most shows will run a fashionable 30 minutes late, so take this into consideration when planning your timetable.

As well as watching fashion shows, a great way to get to grips with the new trends is by visiting the showrooms. The Designer Showrooms are located at Somerset House and around the West End. Some designers may choose to venture further afield, but basing yourself centrally will mean you shouldn’t have too much travelling to do. At all costs, do remember it’s London in the autumn. There’s nothing like waiting outside a venue in the rain as your mascara wilts, while your trusty umbrella’s sitting in the Travelodge hotel room.

4.Eat and drink

It can feel like you have no downtime during Fashion Week, but it is important to enjoy yourself and boost flagging energy. Many restaurants will be reservation-only, so it is necessary to plan in advance – especially if you want to join the rest of the fashion elite. Trendy spots include the celebrity favourite Chiltern Firehouse, the dining room at Sketch, Buddha Bar for cocktails, and Michelin-starred Benares. For on-the-run snacks, pick up a waist-trimming sushi salad from Itsu or a delightfully luscious frozen yoghurt from SNOG.

5.Party

Fashion Week is known for its legendary parties, often held by designers after their shows. Some of the top spots to see and be seen include The Box, Whisky Mist and Wyld at the W Hotel. Be prepared to let your hair down and dance well into the night. After all, it’ll give you a perfect opportunity to wear those hangover-proof, peeper-covering sunglasses you’ve been saving for the right morning.